The Daily 'Some Hope Is Better Than Having No Hope'
Jul 7, 2021
Pam Belluck, a health and science writer for The New York Times, dives into the controversial approval of Aduhelm, the first Alzheimer’s treatment in nearly two decades. She reveals the conflicting opinions surrounding its efficacy and the emotional turmoil faced by families navigating Alzheimer’s care. The discussion covers the journey of clinical trial participants, the drug’s potential to alter the landscape of Alzheimer treatment, and the broader implications of hope amid uncertainty in medical choices.
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Debbie's Declining Memory
- Debbie Rosencrantz and Susan Waskey, a couple since college, noticed Debbie's memory declining.
- Initially, Susan dismissed it as normal aging, but Debbie's struggles became more apparent.
Impact on Work
- Debbie, a social worker, found it increasingly difficult to remember sessions with patients.
- This inability to recall details, once a strength, deeply troubled her.
Susan's Observations
- Susan started noticing Debbie's memory issues, like difficulty sorting bank statements chronologically.
- Lighter moments, like cooking mishaps and repetitive dog feeding, masked the deeper concern.